GREAT CREATURES BIG AND SMALL

This part of the world is rich and diverse in natural life, but you can't always get to see the eagles, ospreys, bitterns or badgers in their natural habitat.

But there is a superb alternative in the varied animal visitor attractions on offer in the area.

Aquarium of the Lakes

Lakeside, Newby Bridge: Naturally themed habitats are home to otters, pike, char and British sharks and rays. Also features giant carp and amazing diving ducks.

Duckys Park Farm

Moor Lane, Flookburgh: Children's open farm and visitor centre with both indoor and outdoor play areas.

Eden Ostrich World

Langwathby, Penrith: Not just home to ostriches. The centre features many rare breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs as well as other unusual animals, including Pozee, a zebra hybrid.

Lake District Coast Aquarium

South Quay, Maryport: An animal attraction that allows visitors to stroke rays and touch starfish.

Lakeland Heavy Horse Centre

Dearham, Maryport: Here visitors can meet some big working horses and find out how they once worked the land on traditional farms. A pets' corner provides both education and fun for young visitors, giving them the chance to interact with smaller domestic farm animals.

Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre

Egremont Road, Cockermouth: Live farm show including cows, sheep, dogs and geese, all displaying their working qualities.

Lakeland Wildlife Oasis

Hale, Milnthorpe: Wildlife centre with unique mix of exotic animals and educational interactive exhibitions. Includes tropic hall and butterfly house.

Osprey Watch

Dodd Wood, Bassenthwaite Lake. An osprey viewing area has been established by the Forestry Commission and the Lake District National Park Authority so the public can see these spectacular birds of prey at the nest or fishing in the lake.

South Lakes Wild Animal Park

Broughton Road, Dalton-in-Furness: Billed as the ultimate interactive animal experience with rhinos, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, lemurs, kangaroos and more.

The Alpaca Centre

Stainton, Penrith: This visitor attraction is focused around a working farm which breeds, rears and sells alpacas, an animal famed for its wool.

Trotters World of Animals

Coalbeck Farm, Bassenthwaite: Wildlife park with collection of rare and interesting animals, including primates, antelope, zebra and buffalo. There is also a reptile house and bird of prey centre.

World Owl Trust

Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass: One of the most important collections of owls in the world, where you can see a diverse range from bizarre fish owls and tiny pygmy owls right up to the mighty eagle owl, the biggest in the world. There are also buzzards, kestrels and red kites and a daily flying display on the castle lawns.